INEC Warns Foreign Observers Against Interfering With Polls

As part of the preparation for the much-awaited presidential election, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday cautioned the 229 accredited foreign and national groups deploying over 146,913 election observers for the general elections to respect the sovereignty of Nigeria and also to adhere strictly to the rule of engagement.

Yakubu gave this warning at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, saying observers should do everything not to interfere with the process or show partisanship in discharging their duties.

The INEC Chairman reminded the local and international observers to be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria whose sovereignty must be respected.

He said, “Do not interfere with the process or show partisanship. In addition, international observers must be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I wish to remind observers that there is a code of conduct for election observation. You are by definition observers, do not interfere with the process or show partisanship.

“In addition, international observers must be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria whose sovereignty must be respected.”